Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Annual Giving Officer is primarily responsible for the Patroon Volunteer Program and Reunion Giving programs. The officer's responsibilities include recruiting and training new volunteers for Annual Giving, with the aim of expanding the pool of active volunteer solicitors and cultivating a pipeline of individuals for potential leadership roles. The officer will be soliciting gifts of $2,500 and above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field
• 3 or more years experience in fundraising or a related field
• Valid driver’s license

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education as a front-line fundraiser with a successful record of prospect development or relationship building
• Experience managing fundraising volunteers
• Experience soliciting parents 
• Experience soliciting gifts over $2,500
• Experience planning and implementing events
  
   

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to cultivate, solicit and steward donor prospects
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relations with donors, including understanding
  donor motivation, and developing and sustaining donor commitment
• Ability to effectively facilitate discussions and effectively engage in public speaking
• Ability to promotes and implement processes to build effective donor relationships
• Ability to collaborate with others including own team/department, others across the organization and externally where appropriate
• Ability to work effectively individually and as a group/ team member exploring options, making decisions and seeking support when appropriate
• Ability to develop and contribute to the use of digitally integrated fundraising activities and effectively use analytics
• Ability to plan and implement programs, projects and/or events including identifying specific requirements and developing project plans
• Ability to work with colleagues and portfolio leadership to implement change initiatives that enhances the donor experience
• Ability to collect, analyze and manage relevant information, including prospect research
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Ability to multi-task, handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent
• Ability to learn and use discipline specific technologies including database management
  software and web-based communication tools
  
  

Representative Job Duties

• Manage the Patroon Volunteer program by expanding the number of participating volunteers and maximizing solicitation opportunities and follow up. Ensure that donors assigned to volunteers receive an ask from another source if the volunteer does not make contact. Train and maintain relations with volunteers, provide any resources necessary for their success.
• Make solicitations for appropriate patroon society levels. The solicitations must be documented with proposals in Advance. Oversee all deliverables are being executed to maintain donor relationships.
• Work with volunteers from Reunion class committees. Create and execute solicitation strategy for these classes in coordination with Annual Giving and Alumni Relations staff.
• Develop and execute a plan to increase participation among young alumni Reunion Classes in collaboration with Alumni Relations and Annual Giving staff. Create a smooth transition from the Student Class Gift Program into alumni giving.
• Collaborate with the Director and other volunteer managers in Annual Giving to develop strategies to reach special constituencies such as graduate alumni, reunion classes, parents, and friends/community members.
• Utilize the database and prospect tracking system to record asks, moves, and outcomes including contract reports, proposals, tasks, rating/staffing changes, and pledges promptly and accurately.
• Perform additional duties assigned by Director designee.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $72,000 - $76,500

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).